About Us

Welcome to Exceptional Results

RJ Thomas Ltd. is your one-stop resource for inspiration and insight. Our experienced, highly trained design consultants call on their extensive product knowledge and design expertise to collaborate with you and cater to your unique design needs. As an independent showroom, we represent the finest furniture and accent pieces from over 50 manufacturers. Our creative design consultants know our manufacturers and their products inside and out. Throughout our showroom — totaling over 22,000 square feet — you'll discover an array of pieces in every style, and inspiration at every turn.

Our Approach

We are so much more than fine furniture and accents. Our business is deliberately designer friendly, putting your needs first. We give you the freedom to choose the design consultant you work with and the tools to excel with every project you take on. You can consistently count on our trained team to be a trusted partner and design resource, willing to work with you at every step. This collaborative approach sets us apart from other showrooms.

We know you have your own unique take on design, and we listen first in order to understand your design perspective. From floor plans to color selections to fabric choices, our design consultants use their experience, expertise and intuition to provide stellar service from start to finish. When it comes time to specify products for your projects, our consultants can quickly provide high-quality product photos. Also, our full-time customer service manager is readily available to answer any questions you may have about your order.

Our team is here when you need consultation, and we're committed to creating an experience that is collaborative and successful. We are your one-stop resource to making every project effortless.

Our Showroom

Lose yourself in our beautiful design vignettes that span every imaginable style, and discover pieces you didn't even know you wanted for your project. Our to-the-trade showroom provides over 22,000 square feet of inspiration. With furniture and accents from over 50 manufacturers, our comprehensive collection offers something to suit every space, style and budget.

The RJ Thomas buyers carefully choose the finest pieces from the finest brands and showcase handpicked selections. Our beautifully appointed showroom features pieces for every room in transitional, contemporary and traditional styles. There are thousands of options available for customization, and if you're on a tight timeline, you'll find a wide variety of showroom floor pieces available for quick delivery. Many of our manufacturers also offer 30-day delivery to help you with those projects that require quick turnaround.

Whether you're starting a design project or looking for that perfect piece to finish a room, our showroom is the ideal place to bring your vision to life.

For over 100 years, the Thomas family has built and grown furniture businesses, beginning with one simple store in Pontiac, Michigan. Ours is a storied, four-generation history of the furniture business, and one we're proud to share:

The First Generation //
In 1898, the original Thomas Furniture Store opened in Pontiac, Michigan. Its founder, Daniel Thomas, moved the business twice, eventually building one of the most modern spaces of its day on East Pike Street in downtown Pontiac.

The Second Generation //
William D. Thomas (Daniel's son) founded the Economy Furniture Store on Saginaw Street in Pontiac. The building was unfortunately destroyed by fire in 1922, but rebuilt soon after. When Saginaw Street was widened in 1927, the building was moved back to make way for the wider road, and a three-story addition was added.

The Third Generation //
In 1955, William's son (William D. Thomas, Jr.) remodeled the store entirely, complete with a new addition that created 40,000 square feet of floor space. Now called Thomas Furniture, the family opened a second location on Dixie Highway in Waterford (known then as Drayton Plains). As Pontiac fell on tough times in 1971, the Saginaw Street location was closed, and in 1972, the Waterford location was sold to another Detroit-area furniture family.

The Fourth Generation //
The furniture tradition lived on for William D. Thomas, Jr. and his son Robert J. Thomas. In 1975, the two purchased Thompson's Furniture in St. Clair and operated the store together until 1984, when they sold it to Schwark Furniture of Utica. With furniture still in his bloodline, Bob Thomas became a marketing representative for several high-end furniture companies, eventually establishing a central warehousing and home delivery operation in Columbus, Ohio. In 1991, he became a Divisional Manager for Weberg Furniture Stores and relocated to Denver to oversee 18 stores and 1200 employees. After Weberg was sold in 1996, Bob returned to Michigan as a manufacturer's representative for Hickory White Furniture (a division of Sherrill Furniture). In 2003, he opened RJ Thomas Ltd. in the Michigan Design Center, where he has grown the business to over 4 times its original size and serves design trade professionals throughout Michigan, Ohio and Canada.

Furniture to the Trade //

Only the highest quality furniture manufacturers are featured in our showroom. We have longstanding relationships with reputable manufacturers and carefully cultivate new relationships with those that are up-and-coming.

Accents //

We feature a broad collection of high-quality accents and accessories to complement interiors of all styles. Visit our showroom to browse our comprehensive selection of pieces for your design projects.

Lighting

Fixtures from an array of specialty manufacturers in a variety of price points and styles. Choose from hanging fixtures, floor, desk and table lamps, wall sconces, flush mount fixtures and more.

Accent and wall mirrors in a wide range of styles, designs and dimensions, including custom upholstered framed mirrors. A selection of mirrors is always in our showroom and others can be ordered from most of our furniture brands.

Wall Art

Great care is taken to select art vendors who hold the original art work and limit reproductions. Framed wall art is always available in our showroom, including paintings, drawings, prints and photography. Our design consultants will happily research artwork options when you're searching for a particular style or dimension.

Accessories

Candleholders, trays, bowls, platters, leather-bound books, carvings and figures, vases, planters, throws and pillows are also available in our showroom. Accent pillows and folding floor screens can be custom ordered with the style, fabric and dimensions you specify.

Featured Brands //

While RJ Thomas Ltd. carries fine furniture and accents from numerous companies, five of those furniture manufacturers compose a critical core of our merchandise. As industry leaders, these companies have earned our trust and a prominent place in our business due to their innovative style and design, superior craftsmanship and reliable customer service. Whether you’re seeking traditional, contemporary or transitional furniture, you’re sure to find many options from Century, Lexington, Sherrill, Bernhardt or Vanguard. Contact one of our sales consultants with questions about these or any of our other brands.View All Brands >>

Sale & Clearance Items //

Periodically, pieces in our showroom will receive price reductions in order to move them out and make room for new furniture and accessories. These pieces are available for immediate purchase and offered at a substantial discount from the manufacturers' suggested retail price. These items may include floor samples, discontinued items or pieces with minor damage. The best way to be the first to know about special offers and clearance events is to join our mailing list.

FAQS

Can I take items out of the showroom for my client’s approval?

We have a 48 hour item approval policy. Designers are responsible for all costs related to delivery / return shipment and any subsequent damage incurred. If you have not done business with us before you will be required to secure the cost of the items on approval with a credit card.

Can you help me choose pieces that comply with my client’s preference to purchase items made in the US?

Many of our customers have expressed an interest in supporting US-based furniture manufacturers. Any of our design consultants will be happy to provide guidance in this matter.

How is delivery of furniture or fabric handled?

All furniture except floor samples will be shipped to the receiving warehouse of your choice. We can recommend several local receiving services for you to choose from here, or feel free to refer us to the receiver you prefer to work with. Furniture is delivered from the manufacturer to the selected receiver who checks the order for errors or damage, and verifies with RJ Thomas that all related invoices have been paid in full. They will unpack the furniture and arrange delivery according to your instructions. If your client is in the process of building or remodeling, you can contract with the receiver to store items until your client is ready for delivery. We can also assist you in finding reputable receiving companies out of the area. Fabric ordered for custom-upholstered pieces will be delivered directly to the furniture manufacturer. Our team will manage this process on your behalf.

How long does it take to get custom-ordered furniture shipped from the manufacturer?

Delivery time for casegoods or upholstered goods typically ranges from 3-16 weeks. There are many factors that influence delivery time: availability of chosen fabric/wood/components, order volume at manufacturer, whether the furniture or its components are being shipped from overseas or made in the US. Once you have made your selection, we can provide an estimated timeframe. Fine furniture is a handmade product – it does take some time but is worth the wait!

I am based in Canada. Can you help me navigate the paperwork and requirements for purchases and deliveries over the border?

We have worked with a number of Canadian designers and will be happy to help you with the NAFTA requirements related to your purchase.

What does “To the trade only” mean?

The “trade” refers to interior designers and architects who are registered with the Michigan Design Center (MDC). These professionals are familiar with the process of researching and specifying custom-ordered products which are tailored to a client’s specific needs. These professionals typically search for products from the many showrooms within the 225,000 square foot MDC building.
The RJ Thomas showroom is restricted to trade professionals. We do have an online sale and clearance showroom featuring discounted floor samples, one-offs and discontinued merchandise that is open to the public. In addition, we participate in the twice annual Design Center sample sales in March and October which are open to the public. If you are interested in future sales and events open to the public, please register for our email notifications.

What payments are required when a furniture or fabric order is placed?

Furniture orders require a minimum of a 50% deposit when the order is submitted and the remaining 50% is due when furniture is delivered to the receiver’s warehouse. Some orders shipped out of state or directly to customers may require payment in full. For fabric orders, full payment is required at the time the order is submitted.

What forms of payment do you accept?

Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card and American Express credit cards. Also business checks from registered Design Trade Professionals, as well as cash.

Can I use my client’s credit card? (Will sales tax will be charged?)

Clients’ credit cards can only be used if we have signed authorization from the client, the client has read and signed necessary disclaimers, and sales tax has been added.

Who can I talk to about a problem / question / issue with my order?

Where can I donate old pieces of furniture?

We are a proud partner of the Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan, a wonderful organization that accepts gently used furniture and provides it to local families in need. Click here to learn how you or your clients can make a donation.

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Recommended Resources

We are often asked for referrals to businesses that provide quality services for upholstery, flooring, custom window treatments, painting, furniture repair and cleaning. Here is our list of Metro Detroit area businesses we are happy to recommend.